Tentsmuir Sands

  • Tentsmuir Sands - Fife
    © Lis Burke and licensed for reuse under this Licence
  • Tentsmuir Sands - Fife
    © Iain Rattray and licensed for reuse under this Licence
  • Tentsmuir Sands - Fife
    © Paul McIlroy and licensed for reuse under this Licence
  • Tentsmuir Sands - Fife
    © Mike Pennington and licensed for reuse under this Licence
  • Tentsmuir Sands - Fife
    © muninn.net and licensed for reuse under this Licence
  • Tentsmuir Sands - Fife
    © Mick Garratt and licensed for reuse under this Licence
  • Close to the mouth of the Tay Estuary, Tentsmuir Sands is a wide expanse of clean sands backed by grassy dunes, and Tentsmuir Forest.  The remains of various wartime defences can be found both on the beach and in the forest.  These were built by Polish troops who were stationed here during the Second World War.  

    Look out for grey and common seals, both of which are frequently spotted basking on the sandbanks. There is also a variety of birdlife to be spotted, including eider ducks and oystercatchers. The forest is home to red squirrels.

    The beach is popular with walkers and daytrippers. It is also good for collecting shells. Dangerous currents and quicksands make it unsuitable for bathing though.  There are plenty of trails and cycle tracks in the forest.

    To access the beach, take the A92 and follow the brown signs to Tentsmuir Forest and Beach.  A single track road with plenty of passing places takes you to a public car park.  You will need £2 in coins to pass through the barrier.  Next to the car park is an information point with details of wildlife to be found nearby.

    Type of beach

    Sandy

    Lifeguard service

    No

    Dogs friendly beach?

    We do not have information on this beach but restrictions may apply (usually from Easter until the end of Summer)

    Fife dog friendly beaches »

    Activities

    • Good fishing

    Facilities

    • Cafe/restaurant
    • Toilets
    • Disabled facilities
    • Picnic area

    Nearest town

    Tayport

    Postcode

    KY16 0DR

    OS grid ref.

    NO 5019 2421

    Parking

    Parking is available, a charge applies.

    Water quality

    Water quality star rating

    Awards

    Marine Conservation Society Recommended

    Submit a correction

    Tentsmuir Sands Reviews

    Cracking spot.

    May 26th 2021

    Great parking, stunning beach, fab forest walks, tasty crepe shack, friendly rangers. What more do you need.

    stunning beach and its vast. Probably ten miles long

    Sandy Wallace
    Mar 15th 2024

    There are no dog restrictions. The best and worst thing about it is how secluded it is. Even from the car park, you are still a mile from the beach

    Absolutely not a 3star beach

    Bobby S
    Feb 06th 2024

    This is arguably the best beach in FIFE. Absolutely no idea why it only has 3stars apart from people who may want to keep it for themselves?

    Great Beach

    Matthew
    Jun 16th 2023

    Dont know why this beach is rate so low - its a easy 5 star
    theres food / drink
    a playpark for kids
    a hugh clean beach - so its never crowed
    a forest to explore, ww2 artifacts, an Ice house, deer,  seals, hightland cows… if your worried about the £2 parking just go to tayport entrence its free